Question

Why are all the P-F bonds in PF₅ molecule not of the same length?

Answer 1

1. In PF₅, phosphorus is surrounded by five fluorine atoms, forming a trigonal bipyramidal shape.
2. There are two types of P-F bonds: three equatorial and two axial.
3. Axial bonds are longer due to greater repulsion from three equatorial bonds.
4. Equatorial bonds are shorter because they experience less repulsion.
5. Therefore, P-F bonds are not of the same length because axial and equatorial positions have different bond environments, causing varying bond lengths.